President Tran Dai Quang hosted a warm reception in Hanoi on May 5 for Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong, suggesting further exchanges between the two countries’ ministries, agencies and localities, particularly those in border areas, as part of efforts to strengthen political trust between the two countries.

President Tran Dai Quang and Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong (L).

The President urged the Chinese embassy to enhance its role as a bridge to further bilateral economic and trade ties, partly by helping to improve the two-way trade balance, tackling difficulties for slow-progressing projects, and encouraging investment in major projects, especially in science and technology.

On the East Sea issue, the Vietnamese leader suggested seriously abiding by agreements and common perceptions reached by the two countries and Parties’ leaders, including the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of issues at sea between Vietnam and China.

He called for properly managing disputes, refraining from actions that further complicate and extend disputes, settling disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, fully and effectively realising the terms of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and soon formulating a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Vietnam and China should accelerate the progress of negotiations on issues at sea while maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea, contributing to regional peace, stability and development, he stated.

Ambassador Hong, for his part, wished that the new Vietnamese President, in his noble position, would continue promoting friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

He affirmed that the Chinese Party, State and people are keen on facilitating high-level exchanges and cooperation in practical areas, towards reinforcing the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

VNA